If you’re one of the many people thinking about buying home DNA test kits, you probably know that figuring out which one is best for you can be a little confusing. There are several to choose from and each offers different types of information based on your unique genetic makeup.
Lucky for you, this article aims to break down five of the most popular DNA tests you can take at home, so you can narrow down your options and find the perfect test for what you want to know. Lists information that Ancestry, 23andme, MyHeritage, Living DNA, and FamilyTreeDNA make available to you. There are the following five best DNA test kits
1. Ancestry
Ancestry is one of the most well-known DNA testing companies and is often the first choice for anyone wanting to learn more about their ancestry, as they have the most DNA samples with which to make genetic comparisons.
Their DNA test usually costs $99, or about CAD 126, but they drop the price significantly several times a year, usually around the holidays. While most people use ancestral DNA testing to take a closer look at their ethnicity, you can also purchase a breakdown of your characteristics, which costs about $25 for an additional fee.
To give your sample, you need to fill a tube with your saliva up to a certain line. This is a quick and painless way to provide the company with your DNA information. You must not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes before submitting your sample.
2. 23AndMe
The home DNA test kits, which you can get through 23AndMe, are another very popular option. Although the test displays information about ethnicity, the biggest appeal of taking this test comes from the wealth of detail it provides about your genes and how they relate to your health, including your risk of ten different diseases.
You can get the ancestry and integrity reports for $199, or about CAD 253, or you can buy just the ancestry report for $99, or about CAD 126. This company also runs promotions from time to time, so you should be able to get it for less if you keep checking.
Similar to the Ancestry DNA test, you must provide a saliva sample by filling a tube for a specific line. You don’t have to eat or drink anything for half an hour before giving your sample.
3. My Heritage DNA
This DNA test typically costs $89, or just under CAD 113. The test provides information about your ethnicity using more than 2,100 reference regions around the world and also offers 25 trait reports at no additional cost to you.
Also, similar to other DNA tests like Ancestry, you will be linked to other test takers who are related to you. To provide your DNA, all you need for this test is a simple cheek swab.
4. Living DNA
With the Living DNA Company, you have two options to choose from when it comes to home DNA test kits. You can purchase the health report, which will cost you $79, or about CAD 101, or you can get a combination health and ancestry report for $99, which is about CAD 126.
These DNA test kits will give you the most information from your ancestry report, as the company is still working on improving its wellness report. Like the My Heritage DNA test, you just have to clean your cheek to give the organization your hereditary data.
5. Pedigree DNA
FamilyTreeDNA offers four different DNA testing options, including a maternal and paternal test to examine the genetic information of each of your parents more closely, a general ancestry report based on all your DNA information, and a combined report that shows their ethnicity and Related shows properties. Cheers.
The paternal test looks for Y-DNA, meaning it can only be used by males and costs $119 (about CAD 152). Maternal testing involves sequencing your entire mtDNA genome and is the most expensive option, priced at $159, or about CAD 203.
The combined option to receive an ancestry and health report cost $119, which is approximately CAD 152, and the ancestry report alone costs $79, or approximately CAD 101.
For this test, you only need to swab the inside of your cheek to provide FamilyTreeDNA with your genetic information.
Conclusion It should be clear that the ideal DNA test for you should be determined based on the amount of money you are willing to spend and the specific information you would like to obtain, whether your primary interest is to see your ethnicity or information about your health.